U.S. patent number 5,918,089 [Application Number 08/659,971] was granted by the patent office on 1999-06-29 for modular control assembly for xerographic printer.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. Invention is credited to Jonathan T. Abbe, Richard M. Malinich.
United States Patent |
5,918,089 |
Malinich , et al. |
June 29, 1999 |
Modular control assembly for xerographic printer
Abstract
A modular control assembly for controlling a plurality of
electromechanical components in a printing machine for producing
prints on a substrate is provided. The assembly includes a body, a
plurality of electrical components mounted onto the body. The
assembly further includes a plurality of electrical conduits. Each
of the conduits is electrically connected to at least one of the
electrical components. The assembly further includes a plurality of
electrical connectors. Each of the connectors is electrically
connected to at least one of the electrical conduits. The
electromechanical components are quickly electrically connectable
and disconnectable to the assembly at the connectors.
Inventors: |
Malinich; Richard M.
(Rochester, NY), Abbe; Jonathan T. (Webster, NY) |
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation (Stamford,
CT)
|
Family
ID: |
24647585 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/659,971 |
Filed: |
June 3, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/90; 361/809;
399/110; 74/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G
15/80 (20130101); Y10T 74/18328 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
G03G
15/00 (20060101); G03G 015/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;399/88,90,107,110
;174/52.1,59 ;361/724,725,730,731,807,809 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
|
61-129656 |
|
Jun 1986 |
|
JP |
|
4-209484 |
|
Jul 1992 |
|
JP |
|
Primary Examiner: Beatty; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wagley; John S.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a printing machine for producing prints on a substrate, a
modular control assembly for controlling a plurality of
electromechanical components, said assembly comprising:
a body defining an outer surface thereof and an opposed inner
surface thereof;
a plurality of electrical components mounted onto the outer surface
of said body, said plurality of electrical components including a
plurality of AC electrical components;
a plurality of electrical conduits, each of said conduits
electrically connected to at least one of said electrical
components; and
a plurality of electrical connectors, each of said connectors
electrically connected to at least one of said electrical conduits,
all of said plurality of electrical connectors interconnected to
each other so that said plurality of electrical connectors may be
simultaneously connected to said electrical conduits.
2. The control assembly of claim 1, wherein all of said plurality
of AC electrical components positioned in a first portion of the
outer surface of said body and a plurality of DC electrical
components, all of said plurality of DC electrical components
positioned in a second portion of the outer surface of said body
spaced from the first portion, whereby noise and electromechanical
emissions from said plurality of AC electrical components may be
separated from said plurality of DC electrical components.
3. The control assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of clamps for securing at least a portion of the plurality of
electrical conduits together, said clamps including:
a base;
a first portion extending from said base;
a second portion extending from said base, said first portion and
said second portion cooperating with each other to contain the
conduits therebetween; and
a detent extending from said base for cooperation with said body
for securing said base to said body.
4. The control assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hinge for
connecting said body to the printing machine, said hinge slidably
separable to provide for removal of the modular control assembly
from the printing machine.
5. The control assembly of claim 1, further comprising a modular
plug for interconnecting a plurality of said electrical
connectors.
6. The control assembly of claim 1, further comprising a device for
removable mounting said electrical components to said body.
7. The control assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cover
attached to said body for protecting the electrical components.
8. A printing machine for producing prints on a substrate
comprising:
a frame;
a plurality of electromechanical components mounted to said
frame;
a modular control assembly mounted to said frame and extending
therefrom, said modular control assembly and said frame defining a
first width thereacross, said modular control assembly operably
connected to said plurality of electromechanical components for
controlling said plurality of electro-mechanical components, the
assembly including a body defining an outer surface thereof and an
opposed inner surface thereof, a plurality of AC electrical
components, a plurality of DC electrical components, a plurality of
electrical conduits, each of said conduits electrically connected
to at least one of said AC electrical components and said DC
electrical components, and a plurality of electrical connectors,
each of said connectors electrically connected to at least one of
said electrical conduits, said modular control assembly removably
mounted to said frame machine so that upon the removal of the
modular control assembly from said frame said printing machine
defines a second width thereacross, said second width being
substantially narrower that said first width so that the printing
machine may be more easily transported though a narrow
passageway.
9. The printing machine of claim 8:
wherein all of said plurality of AC electrical components
positioned in a first portion of the outer surface of said body;
and
wherein all of said plurality of DC electrical components
positioned in a second portion of the outer surface of said body
spaced from the first portion, whereby noise and electromechanical
emissions from said plurality of AC electrical components may be
separated from said plurality of DC electrical components.
10. The printing machine of claim 8, further comprising a hinge
mounted on the printing machine, said body pivotably mounted to
said hinge.
11. The printing machine of claim 10, wherein said body is slidably
removable from said hinge.
12. The printing machine of claim 8, further comprising a plurality
of clamps for securing at least a portion of the plurality of
electrical conduits together, said clamps including:
a base;
a first portion extending from said base;
a second portion extending from said base, said first portion and
said second portion cooperating with each other to contain the
conduits therebetween; and
a detent extending from said base for cooperation with said body
for securing said base to said body.
13. The printing machine of claim 8, further comprising a cover
attached to said body for protecting the electrical components.
14. The printing machine of claim 8, further comprising a modular
plug for interconnecting a plurality of said electrical
connectors.
15. The printing machine of claim 8, further comprising a device
for removable mounting said electrical components to said body.
16. A printing machine for producing prints on a substrate,
comprising:
a frame;
a plurality of electromechanical components connected to said
frame; and
a modular control assembly operably associated with said frame and
including a body, said assembly electrically connected to said
plurality of electromechanical components for controlling said
plurality of electromechanical components within the machine, said
assembly comprising a plurality of AC electrical components, all of
said plurality of AC electrical components positioned in a first
portion of an outer surface of said body, a plurality of DC
electrical components, all of said plurality of DC electrical
components positioned in a second portion of the outer surface of
said body spaced from the first portion, said modular control
assembly being positioned external to said frame and to said
plurality of electromechanical components, said modular control
assembly being moveable with respect to said frame so as to provide
access to said plurality of electromechanical components.
17. The printing machine of claim 16, further comprising:
a plurality of electrical conduits, each of said conduits
electrically connected to at least one of said electrical
components; and
a plurality of electrical connectors, each of said connectors
electrically connected to at least one of said electrical conduits,
the electrical connectors mechanically interconnected to each other
and to the body so that the electromechanical components may be
quickly electrically connectable and disconnectable with the
installation and removal of the body.
18. The printing machine of claim 17, further comprising a
plurality of clamps for securing at least a portion of the
plurality of electrical conduits together, said clamps
including:
a base;
a first portion extending from said base;
a second portion extending from said base, said first portion and
said second portion cooperating with each other to contain the
conduits therebetween; and
a detent extending from said base for cooperation with said body
for securing said base to said body.
19. The printing machine of claim 16, further comprising a cover
attached to said body for protecting said electrical components.
Description
The present invention relates to electrical cabinets for use in
electrophotographic printing machines. More particularly, the
invention relates to modular control assemblies.
In a typical electrophotographic printing process, a
photoconductive member is charged to a substantially uniform
potential so as to sensitize the surface thereof. The charged
portion of the photoconductive member is exposed to a light image
of an original document being reproduced. Exposure of the charged
photoconductive member selectively dissipates the charges thereon
in the irradiated areas. This records an electrostatic latent image
on the photoconductive member corresponding to the informational
areas contained within the original document. After the
electrostatic latent image is recorded on the photoconductive
member, the latent image is developed by bringing a developer
material into contact therewith. Generally, the developer material
comprises toner particles adhering triboelectrically to carrier
granules. The toner particles are attracted from the carrier
granules to the latent image forming a toner powder image on the
photoconductive member. The toner powder image is then transferred
from the photoconductive member to a copy sheet. The toner
particles are heated to permanently affix the powder image to the
copy sheet.
High speed copying machines are becoming increasingly popular.
These machines have a capacity or output capacity of say, for
example, over 60 copies per minute. These machines are able to use
single cut sheets of paper of various size such as A4,
81/2.times.11, or 81/2.times.14 inch copy sheets. These machines
may be of the light lens, xerographic machine or may be a printer
with digital input. Single, cut sheet printing machines are now
available at speeds around 200 cpm.
Modern large copiers and printers require a large number of
electromechanical components, for example, motors, lamps, charging
devices, fusing rolls and other electromechanical components which
require control circuitry to operate. To provide for an efficient
and smooth uninterrupted flow of the substrate, for example, copy
sheets to progress through the copy machine or printer, the
mechanical components must be arranged to provide for this simple
flow of the paper. In the design process, the mechanical components
are thus laid out as required to accomplish the electrostatographic
process. After the component design engineers have placed the
mechanical components as required within the machine, the control
system is later packaged.
Currently, on most existing printers and copiers, the electro
control system is packaged in various internal areas throughout the
machine. Consequently, there are many mechanical subassemblies
located all throughout the product. The control boards may be
packaged in a card cage or strung out on panels on the back or
sides of the machine. The power supply may be in another part of
the machine, as will the power distribution circuitry for the AC
system. All of these components are interconnected by the use of
many long and complex harnesses.
There are many deficiencies or shortfalls with conventional
packaging techniques. Included among these deficiencies are that
because the electrical system is placed in the available resulting
space or location, the designs result in cramped spaces, making
them modules and the entire machine difficult to assemble and
service. The difficulty in service is particularly plaguing as the
copiers and printers, particularly those for high volume machines,
have a very long service life and may require a considerable number
of service calls through this very extended service life.
In the movement to higher speed copiers and printers with greater
product output, in particular due to the large amount of heat
required to fuse the toner to the paper at the fusing station,
these larger machine tend to work and be at higher temperatures
throughout the machine. The higher temperatures of modern high
speed copying machines are exasperated due to the reduced natural
air flow within the machine as a result of the cramped spaces. This
may require the additional of fans and other expensive subsystems,
for example, air conditioning systems to solve the problem.
Because of the suboptimal location of the electrical components
throughout the available spaces within the machine, long and
complex wiring harness assemblies with multiple connector
interfaces are required to interconnect all the various parts.
These long harnesses strung throughout the product are more
susceptible to EME (Electro Magnetic Emissions) and more likely to
emit a higher level of EMI (ElectroMechanical Interference). The
harnesses are also more susceptible to damage by getting in the way
of other moving parts.
Furthermore, because of the use of the various spaces within the
machine, more effort is required to integrate the electrical
designs with the mechanical designs to prevent interference and
other compatibility problems. This is particularly true with
respect to the interference of those components powered by direct
current with those components powered by alternating current. This
situation is also exasperated by changes in design of the
mechanical components through the development of the machine which
will necessitate the redesign of the electrical system because of
the resultant changes in the allowable locations for the electrical
components. This interaction between electrical component design
and mechanical component design further lengthens the "time to
market" required to go from product concept to a marketable
product.
Furthermore, the addition of large electrical components, for
example, transformers, may require that these components be located
outside the frame of the machine. Components located outside the
frame of the machine may result in the width of the machine being
larger than is desired. Furthermore, the addition of the electrical
components within the machine frame may require the interior of the
frame to be widened as well. These large copy machines for
producing high volumes of copies are large, yet are required to be
located in an office environment. When that office environment is
an old building with narrow doorways, a particular problem is
presented in that the copy machine or printer may not fit within
the width of the doorway. This is particularly a problem in Europe
where more older buildings are utilized.
The modular control assembly of the present invention is intended
to alleviate at least some of the problems heretofore
mentioned.
The following disclosures relate to the area of inserting one or
more insert sheets among a plurality of previously marked
sheets:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,072
Patentees: Ichinokawa et al.
Issued: Sep. 19, 1995
U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,169
Patentees: Marincic et al.
Issued: Aug. 6, 1991
U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,154
Patentees: Cull
Issued: Jul. 2, 1991
U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,048
Patentees: Leonhart
Issued: Apr. 2, 1991
U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,743
Patentees: Hoffman et al.
Issued: Jun. 12, 1973
U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,804
Patentees: Cranskens et al.
Issued: Oct. 17, 1972
U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,401
Patentees: Kawai
Issued: Sep. 19, 1972
U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,072 discloses an electrophotographic copy
machine including a photoconductive drum and a housing for
supporting the drum. The machine further includes a control
assembly for controlling the functions of the machine. The control
assembly has an upper housing button movably attached to a swing
frame When the swing frame is turned upwardly the upper opening of
the housing is opened for easy removal of jams and for servicing of
components.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,169 discloses a printer for printing copy
sheets. The printer has an upper surface with an access panel for
sheet path access. The printer includes a control panel for
controlling the functions of the printer. The control panel extends
over the access panel. The control panel is laterally slidably
mounted to the printer to be moveable to a position in clearance
with the access panel.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,154 discloses a printing station for a printer.
The printer further includes a control panel located near a front
edge of the printer. The panel is interconnected to a ribbon cable
by an electrically shielded connector terminate to the free end of
the ribbon cable. The printer also includes an opening or port
having a shielded connector mounted therein which is complementary
with the shielded connector.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,048 discloses a graphic arts exposure device
having a cabinet defining a work surface. A drawer is positioned
below the work surface. The drawer has an extended position and a
retracted position. A control panel is mounted on the drawer. The
control panel is moveable with the drawer to permit easy use by an
operator.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,743 discloses a flat bed electrostatic
photocopier utilizing a U-shaped feed path for feeding successive
copy sheets from a supply through various processing stations. All
segments of the feed path are adjacent the perimeter of the copier
and accessible through openings in the copier. Doors assist in the
accessibility of the copier. The paper transport is pivotable to
further assist in accessibility.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,804 discloses a copying apparatus contained
within a housing. The apparatus includes a charging unit and a
developing device containing media. The housing includes a number
of openable covers for gaining access to the interior of the
copier. By opening the covers in the housing and removing
associated parts inwards of the cover it is possible to gain access
to the different paths of the copying paper.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,401 copier with a corona discharge device. The
copier includes a series of doors and other hinged parts for
obtaining access to the machine. A safety switch is secured to the
machine for quickly releasing the charge on the high voltage
capacitor simultaneously when the door or hinged part is
opened.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a modular control assembly for controlling a plurality of
electromechanical components in a printing machine for producing
prints on a substrate. The assembly includes a body, a plurality of
electrical components mounted onto the body. The assembly further
includes a plurality of electrical conduits. Each of the conduits
is electrically connected to at least one of the electrical
components. The assembly further includes a plurality of electrical
connectors. Each of the connectors is electrically connected to at
least one of the electrical conduits. The electromechanical
components are quickly electrically connectable and disconnectable
to the assembly at the connectors.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a printing machine for producing prints on a substrate
comprising a modular control assembly for controlling a plurality
of electromechanical components. The assembly includes a body, a
plurality of electrical components mounted onto the body. The
assembly further includes a plurality of electrical conduits. Each
of the conduits is electrically connected to at least one of the
electrical components. The assembly further includes a plurality of
electrical connectors. Each of the connectors is electrically
connected to at least one of the electrical conduits. The
electromechanical components are quickly electrically connectable
and disconnectable to the assembly at the connectors.
These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from
the following description, the description being used to illustrate
a preferred embodiment of the invention when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular control assembly
according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interposer utilizing the modular
control assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic printing system
including the interposer of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the elevational view illustrating the
principal mechanical components and paper path of the printing
system shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame of the interposer of FIG.
2 depicting the modular control assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5A is a plan view partially in section of a twist clamp for
use with the modular control assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a positioning detent for the hinge
of the modular control assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the modular control
assembly of FIG. 1 showing modular connections;
FIG. 6A is a partial plan view of a modular connector for the
modular connections of FIG. 6; and
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the hinge of the modular control
assembly of FIG. 1.
While the present invention will hereinafter be described in
connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be
understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that
embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown an exemplary laser based
printing system (or imaging device) 2 for processing print jobs in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Printing
system 2, for purposes of explanation, is divided into a scanner
section 6, controller section 7, and printer section 8. While a
specific printing system is shown and described, the present
invention may be used with other types of printing systems such as
ink jet, ionographic, etc., equivalents as may be included within
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims. It should be particularly noted that the modular control
assembly of the present invention may be practiced equally as well
on a light lens type of xerographic copier.
For off-site image input, image input section has a network with a
suitable communication channel, such as an ethernet connection,
enabling image data, in the form of image signals or pixels, from
one or more remote sources, to be input to system 2 for processing.
Other remote sources of image data, such as streaming tape, floppy
disk, video camera, etc. may be envisioned.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 3-4, scanner section 6 incorporates
a transparent platen 20 on which the document 22 to be scanned is
located. One or more linear arrays 24 are supported for
reciprocating scanning movement below platen 20. Array 24 provides
image signals or pixels representative of the image scanned which,
after suitable processing by processor (not shown), are output to
controller section 7.
Processor converts the analog image signals output by array 24 to
digital image signals and processes the image signals as required
to enable system 2 to store and handle the image data in the form
required to carry out the job programmed. Processor also provides
enhancements and changes to the image signals such as filtering,
thresholding, screening, cropping, reduction/enlarging, etc.
Following any changes and adjustments in the job program, the
document must be rescanned.
Documents 22 to be scanned may be located on platen 20 for scanning
by automatic document handler (ADF) 35 operable in either a
Recirculating Document Handling (RDH) mode or a Semi-Automatic
Document Handling (SADH) mode. A manual mode including a Book mode
and a Computer Forms Feeder (CFF) mode are also provided, the
latter to accommodate documents in the form of computer fanfold.
For RDH mode operation, document handler 35 has a document tray 37
in which documents 22 are arranged in stacks or batches. The
documents 22 in tray 37 are advanced by vacuum feed belt 40 and
feed rolls 41 onto platen 20 where the document is scanned by array
24. Following scanning, the document is removed from platen 20 and
discharged into catch tray 48.
For operation in the CFF mode, computer forms material is fed
through slot 46 and advanced by feed rolls 49 to document feed belt
42 which, in turn, advances a page of the fanfold material into
position on platen 20.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, printer section 8 comprises a laser
type printer and, for purposes of explanation, is separated into a
Raster Output Scanner (ROS) section 87, Print Module Section 95,
Paper Supply Section 107, a post-xerographic paper processor, for
example an interposer 120 for interposing sheets of preprinted
stock into printed sheets from the xerographic engine and for
supplying addition copy sheets for the xerographic engine and a
High Speed Finisher 121. ROS 87 has a laser 91, the beam of which
is split into two imaging beams 94. Each beam 94 is modulated in
accordance with the content of an image signal input by
acousto-optic modulator 92 to provide dual imaging beams 94. Beams
94 are scanned across a moving photoreceptor 98 of Print Module 95
by the mirrored facets of a rotating polygon 100 to expose two
image lines on photoreceptor 98 with each scan and create the
latent electrostatic images represented by the image signal input
to modulator 92. Photoreceptor 98 is uniformly charged by corotrons
102 at a charging station preparatory to exposure by imaging beams
94. The latent electrostatic images are developed by developer 104
and transferred at transfer station 106 to a print media 108
delivered by Paper Supply section 107. Media 108, as will appear,
may comprise any of a variety of sheet sizes, types, and colors.
For transfer, the print media is brought forward in timed
registration with the developed image on photoreceptor 98 from
either a main paper tray 110 or from auxiliary paper trays 112 or
114. The developed image transferred to the print media 108 is
permanently fixed or fused by fuser 116 and the resulting prints
pass through interposer 120 and are discharged to either output
tray 118, to high speed finisher 121, or through bypass 180 to some
other downstream finishing device, which could be a low speed
finishing device such as a signature booklet maker (SBM) 195 of the
type manufactured by Bourg AB. High speed finisher 121 includes a
stitcher 122 for stitching or stapling the prints together to form
books and thermal binder 124 for adhesively binding the prints into
books.
Referring still to FIG. 4, the SBM 195 is coupled with the printing
system 2, by way of bypass 180, for receiving printed signatures. A
sheet rotary 190 is positioned at an input of the SBM and the SBM
includes three stations, namely a stitching station, a folding
station and a trimming station, in which a plurality of signatures
are processed. In operation, the signatures are transported through
the bypass 180 to the sheet rotary 190 where the signatures are
rotated, if necessary. The signatures are then introduced to the
stitching station where the signatures are assembled as a stitched
booklet. The stitched booklet is delivered to the folding station
where it is preferably folded in half with a folding bar. At the
trimming station, uneven edges of the folded signature set are
trimmed with a cutting blade. Further details regarding the
structure and function of the SBM 195 can be obtained by reference
to U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,395 to Farrell et al.
According to the present invention and referring to FIG. 1, a
modular control assembly in the form of assembly assembly 200 is
shown. The modular control assembly 200 is mounted to the
interposer 120. The modular control assembly 200 may be mounted to
the interposer 120 in any suitable fashion, for example, the
modular control assembly 200 may be mounted to frame 202 of the
interposer 120.
It should be appreciated that while as shown in FIG. 1 modular
control assembly 200 is mounted to interposer 120, the modular
control assembly 200 may likewise be mounted to the copy machine or
printer 8 (see FIGS. 2-4) or to any other copier, printer, or
copier or printer subsystem.
The modular control assembly 200 may be mounted to the frame 202 in
any suitable fashion, for example, the modular control assembly 200
may be mounted to the frame 202 by means of hinge 204. It should be
appreciated, however, that the modular control assembly 200 may
likewise be connected to frame 202 by means of fasteners (not
shown) such as screws or bolts or be slide mounted in a sliding
apparatus (not shown) connected to the frame 202. The use of the
hinge 204 is particularly advantageous in that the modular control
assembly 200 can be opened to permit access to interior 206 of the
interposer 120 without the need to utilize any tools or to add any
significant time to opening the assembly 200.
The frame 202 has a width W' which is less than the width W of the
interposer 120 including the frame 202 and the modular control
assembly 200. The width of the machine may be reduced from W to W'
by removal of the modular control assembly 200 providing for
greater accessibility through narrow halls and doorways.
The modular control assembly 200 includes a body 210. The body 210
may have any suitable shape but in order to obtain easy access to
the interior 206 of the interposer 120, the body 210 preferably in
the form of a plate. The plate 210 may have any suitable shape, for
example, a rectangular plate and be made of any suitable material,
for example, sheet steel or molded plastic. The use of sheet metal,
or aluminum is preferred to provide an integral grounding circuit
for the control assembly 200. The plate 210 may be a flat plate or,
as shown in FIG. 1, include sides 212 which extend outwardly and
normal to the body 210 and serve to add strength and rigidity to
the plate 210.
Electrical components 214 are mounted onto the body 210 in any
suitable fashion. For example, the electrical components 214 may be
permanently affixed to the body 210 by welding, rivets or be
removably fixed by screws or bolts. Preferably, however, the
electrical components 214 are quickly removable from the body 210
by means of a mounting apparatus 216.
Mounting apparatus 216 may be of any suitable form capable of
providing for a quick installation and disassembly of the
electrical component 214 into the mounting apparatus 216. For
example, the electrical component 214 may have supports 220 to
which rails 222 on the mounting apparatus 216 may slidably mount
into.
At least some of the electrical components 214 are electrically
connected to devices 224. The devices 224 may be electrical, such
as a fusing roll electrical element, or electrical/mechanical, for
example, an electrical motor.
The devices 224 are electrically connected to the electrical
component 214 in any suitable manner, for example, by an electrical
conduit 226. The electrical conduit 226 is typically in the form of
an electrical wire. Typically, the electrical wire 226 is shielded
by an insulating material. The electrical wire is made of an
electrically conductive material, typically, copper and in some
instances, aluminum. It should be appreciated, however, that the
electrical conduit 226 may be any suitable electrically conductive
material, for example, fiber optics or other electrically
conductive material.
To assist in the easy removal of the modular control assembly 200,
the electrical conduit 226 typically includes a connector 230 which
is positioned between a device electrical conduit 232 and a
assembly electrical conduit 234. The connector 230 is any suitable
electrical conductor and typically includes a mechanism which
permits the quick connection and disconnection of the connector
230.
The connector 230 thus typically includes a first portion 236 as
well as a second portion 240. The first portion 236 is electrically
connected to device electrical conduit 232 while the second portion
240 is electrically connected to the assembly electrical conduit
234.
To simplify the removal of the modular control assembly 200 from
the frame 202, the connectors 230 are typically located near a
first edge 242 of the assembly 200 adjacent the hinges 204. While
the invention may be practiced with separable distinct connectors
230, it should be appreciated that the connectors 230 may be
mechanically connected to provide for one disconnection of all the
device electrical conduits 232 from the assembly electrical
conduits 234 simultaneously.
As stated earlier, the modular control assembly 200 may be
removable from the frame 220 in any suitable fashion, for example,
as shown in FIG. 1, the modular control assembly 200 rotates about
frame 202 through the hinge 204. While a solitary hinge 204 may be
used, preferably, the assembly 200 is mounted to the frame 202 by
separate, spaced apart hinges 204.
The modular control assembly 200 is shown in greater detail in FIG.
5. The modular control assembly 200 contains typically a plurality
of electrical components 214. The electrical components 214 may
include a wide variety of different electrical components 214. For
example, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrical components 214 may
include a core PWBA (printed wiring board assembly) generally noted
by the reference numeral 250. The core PWBA is electrically
connected to at least one of the electrical components 214 or to
one electrical or mechanical device 224.
Preferably, the assembly 200 is used to contain a wide variety of
electrical components 214 in addition to the core PWBA 250. For
example, the assembly 200 may support digital input/output (DIO),
PWBAs 252. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 the assembly 200 may
include three DIO PWBAs 252. The assembly 200 may also include
alternating current (AC) remote PWBAs 254. As shown in FIG. 5 the
assembly 200 may include three AC remote PWBAs 254. The assembly
200 may also include solid state relays 256. Further, the assembly
200 may include interlock relays 260.
As shown in FIG. 5, the assembly 200 may further include AC power
on relay 262 and DC power on relay 264. The assembly 200 may also
include power supply 266. The power supply 266 supplies both a five
volt DC circuit for the control system as well as a 24 volt DC
circuit for electrical components. The assembly 200 may also
include AC line cord connection 270 as well as ground GFI (ground
fault interruption) circuit 272. The assembly 200 may further
include line filter 274.
The core PWBA 250 may be electrically connected to other electrical
components. For example, the core PWBA 250 may be connected to
power supply 266 by means of core PWBA 250 electrical component
conduit 276. Further, the core PWBA 250 may be electrically
connected to connector 230 by core PWBA assembly electrical conduit
280. The core PWBA 250 is further electrically connected to at
least one of the electrical or electromechanical devices 224 by
core PWBA electromechanical device conduit 282.
As shown in FIG. 5, preferably the connectors 230 are located
adjacent first face 242 of the assembly 200. The connectors 230
form a connector interface area 284 adjacent the first face 242.
Second portion 240 of the connector 230 is attached to assembly 200
in any suitable fashion. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the
second portion 240 of connector 230 is located in slot 286 of
assembly 200. The slots 286 are located near first face 242 of the
assembly 200.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of connectors 230 are located on
the assembly 200 with each of the connectors 230 located in one of
the slots 286. It should be appreciated, however, that the
invention may be practiced with a solitary connector 243, as shown
in phantom in FIG. 6, extending along the length of the first face
242 with all interconnections between the assembly 200 and the
interposer 120 being made with the disconnector.
While the electrical components 214 may be positioned on assembly
200 in any suitable fashion, preferably, the electrical components
are segregated with AC components and DC components taking up
separate portions of the assembly 200. Separating AC components
from DC components within the assembly 200 provides EMI (Electro
Magnetic Immunity) of the sophisticated electrical components
therefore removing noise and EME (Electro Magnetic Emissions) from
disrupting the electrical components 214. The assembly 200 is
separated into a DC portion 290 and an AC portion 292.
While assembly electrical conduits 234 may be secured to the
assembly 200 in any suitable fashion, referring now to FIG. 5A a
twist clamp 294 for use with assembly 200 is shown. The twist clamp
294 includes a first portion 296 and a second portion 300 of the
twist clamp 294 to hold conduits 234 in position. The twist clamp
294 is secured to the assembly 200 in any suitable fashion such as
by compressible detent 302.
Referring now to FIG. 5B, hinge 204 is shown in greater detail. The
hinge 204 preferably includes a feature 300 utilized to bias
positioning of the assembly 200 into a particular position. The
feature 300 may be accomplished in any suitable form, for example
as shown in FIG. 5B, by a protrusion 306, for example in the form
of a wedge, tooth, or camming surface protruding from upper portion
310 of the hinge 204. The protrusion 306 mates with an indentation
312, groove or camming surface in lower portion 314 of the hinge
204. The indentation 312 is positioned relative to the protrusion
306 such that the assembly 200 is biased in a particular position
relative to the interposer 120. For example, the indentation 312
may be positioned such that assembly 200 has a first biased
position 316 with the assembly 200 and the interposer 120 forming
an angle (ALPHA) of approximately 80 degrees therebetween as well
as a second position 320 with the assembly 200 and the interposer
120 forming an angle (BETA) approximately 170 degrees therebetween.
These biased positions 316 and 320 provide for an access for a
service person during trouble-shooting the machine.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the connector interface area 284 is shown
in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 6, the machine electrical
conduits 226 are interconnected to the assembly 200 at the
electrical connectors 230. By positioning the connectors 230 near
the hinges 204, and by providing connectors 230 which are easily
separable into first portion 236 and second portion 240 of the
connector 230, the assembly 200 may be easily removed from the
interposer 120.
Referring now to FIG. 6A, the connector 230 is shown in greater
detail. The connector 230 includes the first portion 236 as well as
the second portion 240. The first portion 236 includes first
portion contacts 320 while the second portion 240 includes second
portion contacts 322. The contacts 320 and 322 cooperate to provide
electrical conductivity from the first portion 236 to the second
portion 240 at the connector 230. While the contacts 320 and 322
may have any suitable form, preferably one of the contacts includes
a protrusion 324, for example in the form of a pin, while the other
contact includes a mating aperture 326 or socket. As shown in FIG.
6A, the first portion contact 320 includes the socket or socket
326, while the second portion contact 322 includes the pin 324.
Preferably, the pin 324 is removably connected to the socket 326.
The pin 324 and the socket 326 are preferably removably
interconnected with a latching mechanism 330. The latching
mechanism 330 may be any suitable latching mechanism for example as
shown in FIG. 6A the first portion contact 320 may include a
pliable clip 332 which interconnects with a assembly 200 at slot
286.
Referring now to FIG. 6B, hinge 204 is shown in greater detail.
Hinge 204 may be any suitable, durable hinge and be many of any
suitable, durable material such as a plastic or a metal, e.g.
steel. The hinge 204 is preferably made from two separate portions
upper portion 310 and lower portion 314. Preferably, the upper
portion 310 is secured to assembly 200 while the lower portion 314
is secured to frame 202 of the interposer 120. The lower portion
314 may include hinge pin 334 which is slidably fit within pintle
336. Pin 334 and pintle 336 rotate about axis 340. Preferably, the
lower portion 314 is removably secured to the frame 202. By
providing the pin 334 and the pintle 336, the assembly 200 may be
removed by simply lifting upwardly along axis 340.
By providing a modular control assembly of the present invention, a
copy machine may be provided with few parts and lower costs.
By providing a modular control assembly, electrical components may
be located in a central location providing greatly improved
accessibility, manufacturability and serviceability to the
machine.
By providing a modular control assembly, installation and removal
of the electrical components and/or modules may be eased.
By providing a modular control assembly that may be easily
detached, the width of the machine may be reduced providing for
greater accessibility through narrow halls and doorways.
By providing a modular control assembly with electrical components
located on the modular control assembly, the electrical components
may be prewired and shipped as an assembly to a manufacturing
facility or to a service area for repairs.
By providing electrical components on a modular control assembly,
more protection may be afforded to the printed wiring board
assemblies and other components. These components may be covered by
a simple sheet metal chassis. This chassis provides for a safety
envelope around the parts.
By providing a modular control assembly redesign, repositioning and
reconfiguration of the mechanical components may be accomplished
without the need to position the electrical components among the
mechanical components within the Interposer Module.
By providing a modular control assembly, an open chassis design may
be provided for the electrical components on the assembly that will
provide for natural convection cooling of the electrical
components.
By providing a modular control assembly, the electrical components
may be preassembled and electrically interconnected at an offsite,
away from the manufacturing of the machine itself. The electrical
component manufacturing may thus be done in a cleaner, more
controlled environment.
By providing a modular control assembly, standardization may be
enabled by utilizing standard electrical components and not
requiring smaller components to fit within allowable space within
the machine.
By providing a modular control assembly, the design of mechanical
components and electrical assemblies may be done concurrently and
independently providing for reduced time to market for future
products.
By providing a modular control assembly and thus separating DC and
AC machine components, excellent electromechanical emission
management and containment may be accomplished.
By providing a modular control assembly and by separating AC and DC
components, noisy AC components may be separated from clean DC
components minimizing the cross talk between AC and DC components
and the signal harnesses.
It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided in
accordance with the present invention, a modular control assembly
that fully satisfies the aims and advantages hereinbefore set
forth.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with a
specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
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